American Express Pays Delta Hefty Sum for Card Usage

Recent disclosures from American Express reveal that the company paid Delta $8.2 billion in 2025, which works out to approximately 3.78 cents per dollar charged on Delta cards.

This figure is much higher than what many people assume banks pay for miles. While it's possible to buy miles directly from some programs during sales for around 1.2-1.8 cents apiece, the actual cost to banks is often higher due to additional factors such as brand use fees, customer datafile access, baggage benefits, and lounge access.

A closer look at Delta's annual filings shows that American Express pays a premium to put the airline's name on its cards, market to their customers, and offer benefits that keep people using them. This is not just about buying miles; it's about securing long-term customer relationships and revenue streams.